VERSAILLES – A hometown hero is reaching new heights in his baseball career. Versailles native Craig Stammen has been named the new manager of the San Diego Padres, the Major League Baseball club announced on November 6, 2025.
Stammen was born on March 9, 1984, in North Star. He later attended Versailles High School, where he excelled in baseball (and other sports), and later pitched collegiately at the University of Dayton.
He was drafted by the Washington Nationals, made his MLB debut in 2009, then spent parts of 13 seasons in the majors — including six seasons with the Padres (2017-22) as a reliever.
His playing career featured a sinker-heavy repertoire and strong clubhouse reputation — traits that now support his transition to managing.
The Padres agreed to a three-year contract with Stammen, marking his first managerial job at any professional level.
According to Padres President of Baseball Operations & GM A.J. Preller:
“Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade … His strength of character, competitive nature and talent for bringing people together make him the ideal choice to lead the Padres.”
Stammen succeeds Mike Shildt, who stepped down as manager earlier this offseason. The Padres’ search reportedly included notable candidates such as Albert Pujols, former Padres catcher Nick Hundley and longtime pitching coach Ruben Niebla. Stammen emerged as the pick despite having no previous managerial experience.
For the local community in Versailles and surrounding Darke County, Stammen’s appointment is a moment of pride. A young man from the area who worked his way through small-town high school baseball to the big leagues is now taking the helm of a major-league franchise.
For Craig Stammen, the path from local ballfields to MLB manager demonstrates perseverance and leadership. As he takes duty in San Diego, the eyes of both his hometown and the Major League community will cheer him on.
